Denis Sassou Nguesso has claimed an overwhelming victory in the Republic of the Congo presidential election, taking 94.82 percent of the vote under provisional results announced by Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou.
His nearest challenger, Mabio Mavoungou Zinga, received 1.48 percent, with seven candidates contesting Sunday’s ballot. Officials said 3,167,909 voters were registered and turnout reached 84.65 percent.
The 82-year-old leader, first installed in power in 1979, returned to office in 1997 after civil war and is now among Africa’s longest-serving presidents. During the campaign he pledged continuity, stability and development, with a focus on infrastructure, education and economic growth. After voting, he said the oil-producing nation would maintain strong ties with Russia and other international partners.
The election took place amid opposition criticism over alleged political repression and an internet shutdown on polling day, although observers from the African Union and regional bodies described the vote as peaceful and transparent while calling for broader reforms.
